An icon of Sichuan cooking, Dan Dan noodles pile crispy minced pork and preserved vegetable over a spicy sauce of sesame paste, chili oil and Sichuan pepper — here in a lighter version.
Written by
Ecem Akkaba · Dietitian
Dietitian, graduate of İstanbul Medipol University. She develops the recipes and nutrition values on FitZen.
Updated:
Dan Dan Noodles – Sichuan Spicy Sesame Noodles contains 480 calories per serving: 26 g protein, 52 g carbohydrate and 19 g fat. It takes 30 minutes in total and makes 2 servings.
Dan Dan noodles take their name from the bamboo carrying pole (dan dan) that vendors once balanced on their shoulders to sell them. Born on the streets of Sichuan, the dish marries the creamy depth of sesame paste with the signature numbing-spicy (ma la) kick of chili oil and Sichuan pepper.
The traditional recipe can be quite oily; this lighter version keeps the chili oil and minced pork measured. Even so, it holds on to the sesame sauce, crisp minced meat and preserved-vegetable (ya cai) touch that give the dish its identity.
Lean minced pork is a solid protein source, while sesame paste brings healthy fats and calcium. Balance the portion with the noodles and add plenty of greens on the side for a meal that is both satisfying and better balanced.
Cook the noodles according to the package directions and drain.
In serving bowls, make the sauce base with sesame paste, soy sauce, chili oil, Sichuan pepper, garlic and sugar.
Add the hot chicken stock and stir until the sauce is smooth.
In a pan with a little oil, stir-fry the minced pork until browned and crisp.
Add the chopped preserved vegetable to the pork and stir-fry for 2 more minutes.
Divide the cooked noodles between the bowls of sauce.
Spoon the crisp minced pork over the top.
Garnish with scallions and toss everything well just before serving.
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